Will Better Police Training Reduce The Number Of Unarmed Victims Of Police Incompetence?

As a person who has taken a strong and hard look at both sides of the issues in recent struggles between citizens and law enforcement, I felt this would be an appropriate article.

We have seen some major hiccups in the ways and means law enforcement has operated. In many ways, police officers have been acting in incompetent ways. When unarmed individuals have been dying at the hands of badge wearing government officials, we have a problem.

Don't get me wrong. Police officers put their lives on the line daily. They step into areas that many of us would dare not enter. Does this give them the right to be trigger happy?

NO!

I have walked the side of the fence where police officers have used their power to intimidate and to lie, cheat and steal. Many of these cops get by with it, and if caught, they are usually protected by other cops and often are just barely punished for their deeds.

It is my opinion that if any officer of the law is caught breaking the law while in uniform, they should face much stricter penalties. We just cannot have law enforcement using their positions to break laws.

We also need tighter training procedures and heavier background checks on these police. There should be mandatory psychological testing.

In this hub, we are going to look at some of the many unarmed people who have been killed by police incompetence.

Yes, a Grand Jury decided to not indict the cop who killed Michael Ferguson. In looking at that case, I can understand why. In many other cases, no Grand Jury even hears them. It is this writer's opinion that whenever an unarmed individual is killed by law enforcement, a Grand Jury should hear all the evidence to decide that officer's fate.

Please read through this hub. I would appreciate any, and all opinions at the end.

Rumain Brisbon

Rumain Brisbon was 34 years old and a Father. He was possibly dealing drugs from his SUV. When officer Mark Rine confronted Brisbon and told him to show his hands, Rumain put his hands in his pocket. He then got out of the vehicle and ran.

In the chase, Rine supposedly caught Brisbon who still had his hand in his pocket. He was told to keep his hand there, because Rine thought he had a gun. When Rumain pulled his hand free, Rine fired his weapon twice killing Brisbon. In Rumain's hand was a bottle of pills.

This is a case that is very questionable. It happened on December 2nd.

We again have a white cop and a black victim. The victim was unarmed. What will Phoenix do?

Phoenix Officer Requirements

Be at least 20 years of age at the time of application; 21 years of age prior to graduating from the academy.

Be in sound physical and mental health.

Have at least 20/20 vision uncorrected; or 20/20 vision corrected by glasses or had contact lenses if uncorrected acuity is 20/80 or better; 20/20 vision corrected by soft contact lenses if uncorrected acuity is 20/2000 or better. Vision capable of distinguishing basic color groups against a favorable background.

Have not been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.

Within the last 36 months:

Have fewer than 8 driving violations points;

No more than one chargeable accident;

No conviction for DUI (One Lifetime);

Driver's license that was not cancelled, refused, suspended or revoked.

Must meet AZ-POST and Phoenix Police Department drug standards.

No commission or conviction of a felony. Misdemeanor arrests are discretionary.

Must have good moral character and personal integrity.

No history of criminal or improper conduct.

No poor employment or irresponsible financial history.

Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalency.

AZ -POST (Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training) certified officers may be eligible for a lateral transfer after submitting an application, and completing the physical agility examination and the Phoenix Police Department background investigation.

Step 3. Take the Civil Service Written Examination

Based upon your score from the civil service written examination, you will receive a ranking, which will determine whether you are eligible to take the physical agility test.

You can contact the Cleveland Civil Service Commission at 216-664-2467 with any questions regarding completing the city employment application and taking the civil service written examination.

Step 4. Take the Physical Agility Test

The physical agility assessment, which is pass/fail test, includes: sit-ups, push-ups and a 1.5-mile run.

Step 5. Complete Employment Paperwork

All qualified candidates who pass the physical agility exam will qualify to move forward with the employment process, which includes completing personal history questionnaires and waivers giving the Cleveland Police Department permission to conduct extensive background investigations.

Step 6. Participate in an Oral Interview

Upon completion of all necessary paperwork, qualified candidates will be scheduled for an oral interview, and will also be photographed and fingerprinted at that time.

Step 7. Complete Remaining Employment Testing

Upon the successful outcome of a background investigation and oral interview, a select number of candidates will be invited to complete the employment testing process, which includes undergoing a medical examination (including drug screening) and a psychological/psychiatric evaluation, and taking a personality assessment.

Step 8. Successfully Complete Police Academy Training

Individuals appointed to the Police Academy class train for a period of approximately 6 months. All new recruits must maintain a 70 percent or better throughout the Academy to remain in training.

Step 3. Take Written Examination

Applicants must take and successfully pass a written examination. If your application meets MPD standards, you will be notified when and where to take the examination. In addition, you may receive preference points added to your score if you meet selected criteria, such as if you are a qualified veteran (DD-214 required) or possess an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a subject area such as law enforcement, police science, or criminal justice. All candidates will be ranked according to their score on the examination, plus any additional points, and then proceed to the next examination in the hiring process, based on their final composite score.

Step 4. Take Physical Ability and Aptitude Test

The next step in the hiring process is testing of your physical ability and aptitude for police work. The physical ability test will include a 1½ mile run. Many candidates find it helpful to view this video about the test to know what to expect and have an opportunity to prepare.

Step 5. Undergo Background Investigation

Candidates must pass a background investigation and will be requested to complete a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) at the beginning of this part of the hiring process. This video provides information about the background investigation and tips on completing the PHQ.

Step 6. Undergo Pre-employment Medical and Psychological Examinations

You will be asked to provide extensive information about your medical history and will undergo a physical examination, along with possible laboratory tests. You may also undergo a psychological examination to determine your suitability for police work.

Step 7. Probationary Period and Training

Those candidates offered jobs will have a probationary period of 16 months, during which time they will be required to successfully complete officer training at the Police Academy. This training lasts for 23 weeks, during which time you will be paid. After the Academy training, recruits will undergo field training at a district police station.

The annual starting salary for a Milwaukee police officer is $42,563 annually.

I have never been a police officer, but I did act in police manner as a soldier in Baghdad so I have an idea of mind set a police officer may have. Their are many options at ones disposal before having to fire at someone. I think you are right, the lack of fear of the consequences of their actions has a lot to do with this. If you fear that you whole life may be over if the victim is not armed, then alternative actions may be taken. My mother's entire family are/were police officers in some capacity or another, and I am aware that real accidents happen. You don't accidentally shoot someone 14 times though, a losing your job is not the proper punishment for violently taking a life just because you can. I think any lethal shooting should be sent to a grand jury, no matter if a police officer is involved or not. Taking a life should be the absolute last resort, their is a reason why the police are called Peace Officers. I understand looking out for your own, but if your officers are rationalizing murder, then getting off them off the street is looking out for society. The well being of society IS a police officers job. Great article, sorry for the rant.

Froggy213 23 months ago from On A Mountain In Puerto Rico Author

I appreciate the "rant" Kile. You spoke it quite well. I hope that leaders will take a hard look at police and their actions, or inactions. Thanks for visiting my friend.